The Dodo Archive

Horsemeat From Lab Animals Discovered In French Restaurants

Police raids at restaurants in France found horse meat that was previously used in labs sold as fit for human consumption, authorities announced Monday. A case is being brought against the producers of the meat, alleging that they falsified documents in order to sell the meat. AP reports:

Police, food safety and veterinary investigators carried out pre-dawn raids in 11 regions around southern France, arresting 21 people. The complex case raised new concerns about how this country, with its rich culinary reputation, polices its food supply. Marseille Prosecutor Brice Robin said the animals had been used in laboratories - including that of drugmaker Sanofi-Pasteur - and then, instead of being destroyed, ended up in the food chain. He said Sanofi-Pasteur correctly labeled its meat, and "considers itself a victim" in the case.

Robin claims that the papers of at least 100 horses that had been certified as "unfit for consumption" after the lab work were doctored to read "fit for consumption" instead.